Health Benefits of Mint - Nutritional Value of Mint, Nutrition Benefits of Eating Mint

Mint (Minta Spacata) is a plant that has been long known in diverse cultures, such as India, Middle East and Europe, because of its rich aroma, soothing flavor and curative properties. It is cultivated all across the globe, in different forms of environments, and comes in many varieties, like peppermint, pineapple mint, pennyroyal, foxtail, spearmint, etc. Generally, mint has a sweet flavor, with a cooling after-sensation. Both, fresh and dried mint finds its usage in preparing a large number of recipes, including curries, soups, chutneys, salads, juices, juleps, candies and ice creams. Read more about mint, including its nutritional value and various health benefits associated with eating the plant.

Nutritional Value of Mint

Given below is the amount of nutrients present in 100g of mint

Moisture - 84.9 g
Protein - 4.8 g
Fat - 0.6 g
Minerals - 1.9 g
Fibre - 2 g
Carbohydrate - 5.8 g
Calcium - 200 mg
Phosphorus - 62 mg
Iron - 15.6 mg
Carotene - 1620 μg
Thiamine - 0.05 mg
Niacin - 1 mg
Riboflavin - 0.26 mg
Folic Acid (Free) - 9.7 μg
Folic Acid (Total) - 114 μg
Vitamin C - 27 mg
Magnesium - 60 mg
Copper - 0.18 mg
Manganese - 0.57 mg
Zinc - 0.44 mg
Chromium - 0.008 mg
Oxalic Acid - 33 mg
Phytin Phosphorus - 4 mg
Energy - 48 Kcal

Health & Nutrition Benefits of Eating Mint

Dried mint leaves, boiled in water, form a strong concoction that helps in soothing the digestive tract and easing the severity of stomachaches.
Drinking herbal mint tea reduces irritated bowel syndromes and cleanses the stomach.
Mint is a strong diuretic and therefore, helps in eliminating toxins from the body.
When included in the diet on a regular basis, mint reduces the growth of bacteria and fungus in the body.
The antifungal properties associated with mint help in curing asthma and other allergic conditions.
Crushed mint leaves helps in whitening teeth.
Mint helps in getting rid of headaches and migraines.
Inhaling mint gives relief from congestion problems, like sinus infections and common cold.
Due to the presence of essential oil called menthol, mint finds its usage in preparing a variety of cosmetics and perfumes.
Inhaling essential oil of mint provides a sense of calm and thus, helps one relax the mind.
Menthol present in mint makes it an important component of many medicines and drugs.
Mint finds extensive usage in the field of aromatherapy.
Mint has antipruritic or anti-itch properties. When added with camphor, it helps to cure insect stings and bites.
Various researches indicate mint as having anti-cancer properties. The phytonutrient, called perillyl alcohol, in mint is believed to prevent colon, skin and lung cancer.

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Benefits Of Mint

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